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MirCorp's board
of directors has approved the permanently-manned operation of Mir
beginning next year. The board's decision allows MirCorp to enter
into final negotiations with potential clients who have been
awaiting the establishment of a long-term flight schedule.
 MirCorp's
mission manifest will begin with the launch this fall of a
Progress unmanned resupply spacecraft that will bring propellant
and other supplies to enable Mir's continuous autonomous operation
into early 2001. MirCorp's next manned mission will be launched to
Mir in early 2001, with two Russian cosmonauts spending several
months aboard the orbital station. In mid-year, they will be
joined by a two-man Russian cosmonaut replacement crew that will
be joined by Citizen Explorer Tito.
Tito will stay on
the station for approximately 10 days, returning to Earth with the
first crew. The replacement cosmonauts will continue to live and
work on the station for a mission that continues into the second
half of 2001.
MirCorp recently
signed an agreement with GPC International, a Canadian marketing
company, to sign advertising and sponsorship deals for the
station. Potential agreements range from advertising promotion
rights for US$100,000 to sponsorship of one of Mir's six modules
for US$9 million a year.
MirCorp,
Amsterdam, acts as a commercial facilitator, beginning with the
establishment of business conditions for Mir's use, and continuing
through successful completion of a user's activity on board the
station. MirCorp is 60% owned by RSC Energia, while the remaining
40% held by its investors.
Copyright 2001 - Andrews Space & Technology
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